As the Founder of Kinflow, a DEI consultant, and a TEDx Speaker, Adriana Morvaiova's passion lies in empowering individuals and communities to transform conflict into connection.
Adriana explores climate change in her latest View for Sync NI.
Climate change is no longer just a distant challenge; it’s a disruptive force already reshaping our societies, economies, and daily lives. Having spent two mornings immersed in Carbon Literacy training, I came away with a renewed urgency to understand not only the data behind the climate crisis but also the emotional, psychological, and practical skills we need to address it.
The more I reflect, the clearer it becomes that we’re not just facing rising temperatures but a looming ‘climate conflict’—a complex interplay of environmental change, social unrest, and the limits of human resilience. Are we equipped to handle this?
What is Climate Anxiety?
Climate anxiety, or eco-anxiety, is a growing psychological response to the threat of climate change. It is defined as a chronic fear of environmental doom, disproportionately affecting younger generations and those who feel powerless to make a difference.
Increased Anxiety Among Youth: A 2021 global survey of 10,000 young people revealed that 59% were very or extremely worried about climate change, with 84% reporting they were at least moderately worried. Many also expressed feelings of betrayal by governments (The Lancet, 2021).
The American Psychological Association has identified eco-anxiety as a major mental health issue, noting it contributes to insomnia, social withdrawal, and a sense of hopelessness. The emotional toll of climate anxiety, if unaddressed, may spiral into societal disconnection—a critical barrier to collective action.
Why Are We Not Taking Climate Change More Seriously?
Despite mounting evidence, global action remains insufficient. Why?
Yet, inaction has a cost. According to Swiss Re, climate change could shave 11–14% off global GDP by 2050 if current trends persist. (Swiss Re Institute, 2021)
The Data Behind the ‘Climate Conflict’
The numbers speak for themselves:
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
~ Jane Goodall ~
Do We Have the Skills to Address Climate Change?
Addressing climate change requires more than technical solutions; it demands soft skills like collaboration, communication, and adaptability. Programes like the one I attended aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to act on climate change. A 2023 Deloitte report revealed that only 28% of businesses feel confident in their ability to meet net-zero targets due to a lack of trained professionals. Upskilling and fostering green leadership are critical. Tackling climate change will involve difficult conversations—whether it’s convincing colleagues to adopt sustainable practices or holding policymakers accountable.
Addressing the climate crisis requires more than scientific innovation and policy reform; it demands a profound shift in human capabilities. The Inner Development Goals (IDG) framework, designed to complement the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasises the cultivation of skills such as critical thinking, emotional resilience, and collaborative leadership. These competencies are essential in navigating the uncertainties and conflicts that climate change often brings.
For example, conflict resolution is increasingly critical as resources become scarcer and communities face heightened tensions over land use, migration, and adaptation strategies. Developing skills in courageous dialogue, active listening, and systems thinking can foster more effective communication between stakeholders, ensuring that solutions are inclusive and equitable. Organisations and individuals alike must invest in these personal and interpersonal skills to enhance collective capacity for innovation and adaptive action in the face of a rapidly changing world.
READ MORE: Rob McConnell, Head of Expleo NI, on staff engagement and 'finding the right balance'
The climate crisis demands more than awareness—it requires courage, collaboration, and action. Whether it’s addressing climate anxiety, bridging the gap between understanding and action, or equipping ourselves with the skills to lead, we must rise to the challenge.
The question isn’t whether the ‘climate conflict’ is coming; it’s how prepared we’ll be when it arrives. Will you step up?
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